BISD Honors School Lunch Heroes serving over 287,000 meals since March 23

Brownsville, Texas – Brownsville Independent School District’s Food and Nutrition Services Department strives to make lunchtime the favorite part of every student’s day. From their friendly greetings in the cafeteria and the love they dish out with every student’s meal, to how they encourage kids to eat more fruits and vegetables, our school nutrition professionals are truly heroes.

“I want to thank all of our nutrition staff for providing meals to all of our children in our community,” said Dr. René Gutiérrez, superintendent of schools for Brownsville Independent School District. “This morning, I visited several distribution locations to show our appreciation for the staff as part of School Lunch Hero Day, which is May 1.”

Gutiérrez acknowledged BISD’s school lunch heroes with thanks, cards, and recognition. “Between preparing healthy meals, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, BISD nutrition staff have a lot on their plate,” added Gutiérrez.

Under updated federal nutrition standards, school nutrition staff offer a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and fat free or low fat milk with school lunch. Cafeterias must also limit the sodium, calories and saturated fat in each meal. BISD nutrition professionals have been mixing up the menu and getting students excited about trying these healthier choices.

School Lunch Hero Day is a nationwide celebration hosted by Jarrett J. Krosoczka, author and illustrator of the popular LUNCH LADY graphic novel series and the School Nutrition. Inspired by his own childhood school lunch hero, Jean J. Cariglia, Jarrett J. Krosoczka created the popular LUNCH LADY series of graphic novels for kids, starring a crime-fighting school nutrition professional and her faithful sidekick, Betty.

School Lunch Hero Day gives schools and communities the opportunity to thank the school nutrition professionals who serve 30 million students each day. Since March 23, BISD has served 287,657 meals.

For more information, contact the Brownsville Independent School District at 956.548.8000.

Update: Soft Opening of Brownsville ISD Campuses, Facilities, and Central Administration Building

To: Brownsville ISD Certified and Classified Personnel

Brownsville ISD has collectively developed a “Soft Opening Plan” to keep our employees safe and healthy as they complete critical end of the year tasks while on campus.

Per Governor Abbott’s orders the following guidelines apply:

1.) April 17, 2020, order allows staff into school facilities.
__See attached TEA Guidance on Entering Schools during Closure.
2.) April 27, 2020, order lifts Shelter in Place on April 30, 2020, and opens Texas Economy by allowing all retail stores, __restaurants, movie theaters, and malls to reopen on Friday, May 1, 2020. These services must limit their capacity to __25% of their listed occupancy.

Soft Opening of Brownsville ISD Campuses, Facilities, and Central Administration Building:
1.) All staff overtime will end on April 30, 2020.
2.) BISD will continue to follow all COVID-19 guidelines:
__a. Ensure six feet of social distancing is in place at all times.
__b. Handwashing and sanitizing will continue and is required.
__c. Masks and gloves are strongly recommended and encouraged.
__d. Non-school personnel (visitors, parents, and students) will not be allowed to enter campuses until further notice __and will be closed to the public.
3.) BISD will implement three phases of a “Soft Opening Plan” for the month of May. The purpose of this plan is to __close the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic school year and ensure all grades, promotions, required __documentation for closure, and End of Year Clearances are completed.

* Campus or department staff may come to work on a volunteer basis during each of the phases with supervisor __approval.
* All staff must continue to be available to work remotely from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
* Principals and departments are expected to be CONSISTENT with this plan.
* Common areas will be cleaned and sanitized daily.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding of this new updated plan. We will continue adjusting as needed based on new developments. Please continue to take precautionary measures and stay safe.

Dr. René Gutiérrez Superintendent of Schools

Update: Senior Class of 2020 Graduations

Brownsville ISD is pleased to announce that video recordings for the Virtual Graduation of each high school’s Class of 2020 will take place between May 1 and May 6. Included in the recordings will be the speeches from the school’s valedictorian, salutatorian, and third ranked student, as well as the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem. High school principals will be informing these respective students of the location, date, and time.

In order to meet the current safety and health standards, the district will utilize technology to move forward with the recognition and certification of all of its 2020 graduates while at the same time honoring those elements that make up a graduation ceremony.

Options are under consideration for a traditional graduation event later in the calendar year if circumstances permit. BISD is extremely proud of this year’s graduates and their accomplishments, and wishes each of them success in their future endeavors.

Governor Abbott To Make Announcement Regarding Texas' Response To COVID-19

AUSTIN - Governor Greg Abbott will make an announcement regarding Texas' response to COVID-19 on Monday, April 27th at 2:30PM at the State Capitol.

Senior Class of 2020 Graduations

BISD announces that it is currently developing logistical plans to graduate the senior class of 2020. We will keep all 2020 seniors and their parents informed of the specific details, which are being developed, to ensure safe graduation ceremonies in accordance with the Governor’s Orders.

Dates and times are being finalized and once we are ready to release that information, it will be posted on our website. Keep visiting our website and social media channels to confirm all district information.

BISD is proud of all of its graduates, particularly in light of the current situation.

BISD Prepares Soft Opening of Campuses

The Brownsville Independent School District (BISD) announces today that as per Governor of Texas Greg Abbott and Commissioner of Education Mike Morath, school districts throughout Texas are allowed to bring in teachers and staff members to conduct school business and complete the 2019-2020 school year.

“Brownsville ISD is preparing a soft opening of our school district to complete the school year,” said Dr. René Gutiérrez, superintendent of schools for Brownsville Independent School District. “I will be submitting, in writing, to the principals the procedures for a soft opening of campuses and to also ensure that COVID-19 precautions are in place for the safety and well-being of everyone.”

The timeline to begin the soft opening of all schools will be between May 4 through May 11. BISD will continue distance learning through online and printed instructional packets for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year.

In the coming weeks, teachers and staff will have a voluntary opportunity to go to their classrooms for video instruction, complete the school year, and prepare for upcoming events.

“We appreciate all the hard work and countless hours that our students and teachers have invested in the new online distance learning,” added Gutiérrez. “The soft opening is subject to change based on new developments and circumstances.”

For more information, contact the Brownsville Independent School District at 956.548.8000.

Registration Survey: Welcome to BISD – We are Enrolling!

We are glad you are joining or returning to our family. If you are returning student, you do not have to complete this questionnaire. Your file will be rolled over for the 2020-2021 school year. If you are a new student, please complete this questionnaire. The purpose of this questionnaire is to provide Brownsville Independent School District principals the information needed to begin the enrollment process. Once you complete this form, the campus staff will reach out to you to complete the registration packet.

Click here to complete the survey.

BISD Awarded $14,000 for COVID-19 Emergency School Nutrition Funding

Brownsville, Texas – The Brownsville Independent School District (BISD) announces today that the Food and Nutrition Services Department received $14,000 in grants to seven schools for supplies and resources to help facilitate school meal delivery and distribution during COVID-19.

Dairy Max and the Dallas Cowboys, in partnership with GENYOUth, established a COVID-19 Emergency Fund to support Texas schools and school nutrition partners. GENYOUth is a national nonprofit organization that empowers students to create a healthier future for themselves and their peers by convening a network of private and public partners to raise funds for youth wellness initiatives that create healthier school communities.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be a partner of GENYOUth and be awarded with their support to continue our efforts of meal delivery and distribution,” said Laura Villarreal, director of food and nutrition services of Brownsville Independent School District. “Each school is eligible to receive up to $3,000 and the grant funds can be used towards the purchase of resources needed to provide continued school meal programs such as soft-sided coolers, bags and containers for individual servings, and protective gear for food service sanitation and safety.”

The amount of $2,000 will go to each of the following schools; Hanna Early College High School; Lopez Early College High School; Manzano Middle School; Pace Early College High School; Porter Early College High School; Rivera Early College High School; and Vela Middle School.

For more information about the grant, visit https://covid-19.genyouthnow.org/. Eligibility requirements for the grants are: school must be located in the United States, school must participate in the National School Lunch Program, school must include at least one of the grades K-12, and school must be located in a recognized “brick and mortar” school building.

For more information, contact the Brownsville Independent School District at 956.548.8000.

BISD’s Response to the Governor’s Order of School Closure for Remainder of Academic Year:

The Brownsville Independent School District has been mandated by the Governor of Texas to continue distance learning and has closed in-person instruction for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year.

BISD will continue to work towards the students’ education via distance learning as well as online and printed instructional packets. In the coming weeks, teachers may be going to their classrooms for video instruction, to perform administrative duties, and to prepare for the coming school year. BISD appreciates all the hard work and countless hours that students and teachers have invested in the new online instructional platforms.

The district will also continue its meal distribution program with a drive-thru service as it has already served over 225,000 meals to our community’s children. BISD is excited and currently developing logistical plans to graduate the senior class of 2020. We will keep all 2020 seniors and their parents informed of the specific details, which are being developed, to insure safe graduation ceremonies in accordance with the Governor’s Orders.

BISD Resumes Child Nutrition Meal Program Distribution at 10 Locations

The Brownsville Independent School District (BISD) announces today that the distribution of meals will continue next week on Tuesday and Thursday at 10 locations. Since March 23, BISD has served over 225,000 meals, breakfast and lunch.

The Food and Nutrition Services Department (FNS) will set-up drive-thrus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the following locations:
• Besteiro Middle School – 6280 Southmost Rd.
• Castaneda Elementary – 3201 Lima St.
• Central Administration Building – 708 Palm Blvd.
• Hanna Early College High School – 2615 E. Price Rd.
• Lopez Early College High School – 3205 S. Dakota Ave.
• Manzano Middle School – 2580 W. Alton Gloor Blvd.
• Pace Early College High School – 314 E. Los Ebanos Blvd.
• Porter Early College High School – 3500 International Blvd.
• Rivera Early College High School – 6955 Ruben M. Torres Blvd.
• Vela Middle School – 4905 Paredes Line Rd.

Due to the volume of meals requested, BISD is adjusting the available resources to the other campuses that need attention. While the other two sites will be closed, parents still have the option to pick-up meals at any of the above locations. The opportunity to receive meals does not change.

BISD is an open enrollment district and will be providing meals to any child up to 18 years of age. Children must be in the vehicle to receive their meals and do not need to be enrolled in BISD.

Families that are in the vehicle need to adhere to the local county mandates and wear masks. FNS is coordinating with city and county officials to work with the current mandates. This update is to remain in alignment with the most recent national, state, and local mandates as well as to safeguard the wellness of BISD personnel.

BISD is following federal guidelines and has selected a specific model and plan that is most efficient for meal distribution.

Other measures include:
• Campuses will remain closed until further notice;
• Instructional support will continue as packets are mailed upon parent request and distance learning is implemented;
• Campus staff will continue to work remotely; and
• BISD Departments will continue to provide campus support

“I want to thank our BISD community for their cooperation and understanding of this new update,” said Dr. René Gutiérrez, superintendent of schools of Brownsville Independent School District. “We will continue adjusting as needed so, please continue to take precautionary measures and stay safe.”

For more information, contact the Brownsville Independent School District at 956.548.8000.

Governor Abbott Issues Executive Order Establishing Strike Force To Open Texas

Directs Select Services To Reopen, Closes Schools For Remainder Of Academic Year

AUSTIN - Governor Greg Abbott today held a press conference where he issued three new Executive Orders to begin the process of reopening the state of Texas while revising hospital capacity and certain social distancing guidelines. Within the orders, select activities and services that pose minimal to no threat of spreading COVID-19 are allowed to reopen using a "Retail-To-Go" model, certain restrictions on surgeries have been loosened, and schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year.

For more information, visit https://gov.texas.gov/.

Notice of Emergency Called Board Meeting:

An Emergency Called Board Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Brownsville ISD will be held today at 1 p.m. in the Administration Building. View the meeting online here at https://bit.ly/34LPDXq. BISD Board Members will be receiving an update on district operations, curriculum, and instruction. They will also be reviewing recommendations on monthly stipends for teachers providing online learning to students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay tuned for more details.

Human Resources Department: Transfer Application Information

Please find below information regarding the 2020-2021 Transfer Application and Guidelines. The employee transfer period will begin on Monday, April 20, 2020. The deadline to submit a transfer application will be Friday, May 1, before 5 p.m. It is imperative that ALL personnel be advised of the Transfer Application and Guidelines, including personnel who may be out on any type of leave. All employees are eligible to apply for a transfer. Any employee wishing to be considered for a transfer must use this time to do so. Certified and Classified employees must submit an on-line transfer application before 5 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2020. It is the employee’s responsibility to meet the deadline.

View the 2020-2021 Transfer Information Guidelines: English | Spanish

Please click on the link and complete the application.

BISD to Host Live Virtual Conference Call with State and Local Education Leaders

BISD announces that they will host a LIVE Virtual Conference Call with a Q and A at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 13, to discuss the recent education and health updates regarding the novel COVID-19 pandemic. Community members can submit questions to the following link https://t2m.io/bisd prior to the conference call and listen live on Spectrum Cable Channel 1301, BISD’s KBSD ITV YouTube Channel, Website, and Facebook page. This event will allow BISD students, parents, employees, and community members to learn about the changes in BISD's operation, and to ask questions of state and local educational leaders.

BISD’s Response to the Mayor’s Amended Order:

The Mayor’s Amended Order which states that “School campuses shall be closed to students for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year” should be considered void and unenforceable as the Mayor has no jurisdiction over the Brownsville Independent School District. Only the Governor of the State of Texas or the Commissioner of Education has jurisdiction over the BISD. Earlier this week the BISD reminded the Mayor of his lack of jurisdiction over BISD to no avail.

Any order or declaration by any local official cannot contradict, supersede, restrict, or conflict with the Governor's GA-19 Executive Order and should be considered void and unenforceable as to the BISD. Further, The President of the United States has declared a national emergency and is following the recommendations of the CDC and The White House Coronavirus Task Force in the identification of these essential workers. Again, I write this memorandum to clarify the BISD's position that the Mayor has no jurisdiction over the BISD or BISD Employees as BISD employees are identified as Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce under the Governor’s and President’s Orders.

The Texas Governor on March 31, 2020, issued an Executive Order for schools to be remained closed until May 4, 2020, and also under GA-14, under Tex.Govt.Code §418.014 relating to the statewide continuity of essential services and activities during the COVID-19 disaster. The Order specifically follows the "Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce (ECIW), Version 2.0, which provides an advisory list of critical-infrastructure sectors, workers, and functions which should continue during the COVID-19 disaster." 

In reviewing the ECIW it specifically defines essential workers as "FOOD AND AGRICULTURE-Government, private, and non-governmental organizations' workers essential for food assistance programs (including school lunch programs) and governmental programs." Thus, all BISD employees and support personnel providing school lunch to our students are categorized as Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce under the CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency).

View and download the BISD’s Response to the Mayor’s Amended Order.

Early Notification of Voluntary Resignation Incentive Program: Re-opened

On April 7, 2020, the BISD Board of Trustees voted to re-open the period for the Early Notification of Voluntary Resignation Incentive. This incentive applies to non-retired/rehired employees who have served BISD at least 15 years at the end of the 2019-2020 school year. To qualify for the supplemental payment, employees with 15 or more years of service must hand-deliver a Letter of Resignation, signed by the employee and supervisor, to the BISD Human Resources Department starting on April 8, 2020, at 8 a.m. and ending May 8, 2020, at 5 p.m.

The Early Resignation Incentive Payment specified shall be calculated as follows:

Employee with 15 - 19 Years of Service	$ 2,000
Employee with 20 - 24 Years of Service	$ 3,000
Employee with 25 - 29 Years of Service	$ 4,000
Employee with 30 - 34 Years of Service	$ 5,000
Employee with 35 - 39 Years of Service	$ 7,500
Employees with 40 or more Years of Service	$ 10,000

View and download the 2019-2020 Early Resignation Separation Notification Packet.

Deputy Superintendents’ Report: Update Regarding COVID-19 4/7/2020

Brownsville ISD Board of Trustees received administrative updates for Curriculum and Instruction as well as Business and Operations.

View each presentation here:
-COVID-19 Update: Curriculum and Instruction
-COVID-19 Update: Business and Operations

BISD Superintendent Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates: April 3, 2020

Brownsville Independent School District is collaborating closely with local, state, and national agencies as we monitor the Coronavirus (COVID-19):

• President Donald Trump mandated social distancing until April 30, 2020.
• Governor Greg Abbott extended School Closures until May 4, 2020.
• County Judge Eddie Treviño issued mandatory “ Shelter-in-Place" until April 8, 2020.

Based on updated information, the following further adjustments will go into effect:

A. Schools will remain closed until further notice.

B. Faculty and Staff will continue to be committed to providing instructional support to ALL students.
• Documentation of weekly contact with students must be submitted to the campus principal.
• Continuity of Instructional Support is delivered by distance learning and instructional packets.
• Differentiation of Instruction is required for all special populations.

C. Distribution of Instructional packets will only continue via mail-out and upon parent request.

D. The Child Nutrition Meal Program will be postponed effective Wednesday, April 8, 2020, until further notice.

E. Campus staff will work remotely from home effective Monday, April 6, 2020.
Please Note: Essential staff may be called to report to the campus as needed.

F. Teachers need to continue to prepare for the long-term online learning by ensuring either usage and/or certification of recommended instructional platforms.

G. All staff members must be available remotely from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday.

H. Additional pay only applies to hourly employees who are requested to report to the worksite.

I. Departments will continue to provide campus support.

J. Please note that these are the latest updates. Continue to refer to the previous BISD Superintendent’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates dated March 22, 2020, March 24, 2020, and March 29, 2020, as well.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding of this new updated plan. We will continue adjusting as needed based on new developments. Please continue to take precautionary measures and stay safe.

Dr. René Gutiérrez
Superintendent of Schools